In 1999, The Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) set out to create a revolutionary fire and emergency services training facility that uses the newest and most innovative environmentally-conscious building standards. The result is this $13.5 million state-of-the-art training facility designed by Kleinfeldt Mychajlowycz Architects, which was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver Rating. The structure not only provides a healthy place to live and work, it reduces waste sent to landfills, conserves energy and water, and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

The completed project includes a school, administration offices, apparatus and vehicle bays as well as three training structures all located on the Toronto Pearson International Airport’s property. The complex was designed to take full advantage of the site in terms of views, natural daylight, solar and wind exposure and transparency, permeability and solidity were explored for practical and aesthetic purposes.

A green roof that extends from the upper catwalk of the cafeteria to the ground integrates the building with the natural landscape of the site. The building also integrates solar shading, a thermal solar wall, an integrated heat recovery system from the mass of the concrete and natural ventilation features.